HAIR PHYSIOLOGY

THERE ARE TWO PARTS TO YOUR HAIR

The root (or bulb), which forms part of the hair follicle and is embedded in the scalp at a slight angle. It is a true miniature organ. The upper part produces cells that later keratinize in order to create the shaft of the hair.
The hair shaft which is the visible part of the hair. It is made of three concentric layers.
The cuticle is a transparent protective layer that gives the hair its shine and silky look.
The cortex is made of several layers of keratin cells, bound together by intercellular cement. Making up 80% of the hair, the cortex gives the strands their structure and color.
In the middle is the medulla, which has no specific physiological properties.

The hydrolipidic film (HLF)

The surface of the hair and scalp is covered with a protective layer known as the hydrolipidic film (HLF). Rich in sebum, it protects the hair in many ways:

- it acts as a barrier to foreign substances (UV rays, pollution).

- it regulates hydration.  

Intercellular cement (ICC)

The intercellular cement is naturally rich in lipids, which are laid out in a lamellar structure (ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids). They bind the cells within the tissue and keep the top layers of the epidermis hydrated.

KERATIN

The "bones" of your hair

Your hair is made of 95% keratin, a protein made by the cells located in the base of the hair follicle. Keratin is made of chains of 18 amino acids in a helix formation which, like a rope, make the hair fiber exceptionally strong.

UNDERSTANDING DRY HAIR

1. The hair's protective barrier (also known as the "hydrolipidic film") disappears
Damaged by hair care techniques and other stress factors, this protective shield can no longer provide an effective barrier.

2. The scales along the hair shaft begin to separate
Like tiles on a roof, the scales overlap all the way down the shaft. If damaged, they come apart and expose the inside of the hair.  
This allows the water that is normally retained within the hair to evaporate.

UNDERSTANDING VERY DRY HAIR

1. The hair's protective barrier (also known as the "hydrolipidic film") disappears
Damaged by hair care techniques and other stress factors, this protective shield can no longer provide an effective barrier.

2. The scales along the hair shaft begin to separate
Like tiles on a roof, the scales overlap all the way down the shaft. If damaged, they come apart and expose the inside of the hair.  
This allows too much water to evaporate, and the hair dries out.

UNDERSTANDING VERY DAMAGED AND BRITTLE HAIR

1. The hair's protective barrier (also known as the "hydrolipidic film") disappears
Damaged by hair care techniques and other stress factors, this protective shield can no longer provide an effective barrier.

2. The scales along the hair shaft begin to separate
Like tiles on a roof, the scales overlap all the way down the shaft. If damaged, they come apart and expose the inside of the hair.  
This allows too much water to evaporate, and the hair dries out.

3. Destruction of the keratin inside the hair
Damaged by all this trauma, the chains of keratin that make up the hair snap. The hair becomes porous, and breaks.

CARTHAMUS

Native to the region known as the Fertile Crescent, the Carthamus, or safflower, is an oriental thistle with red, yellow, or white flowers. Its seeds are used to extract an oil rich in essential fatty acids, which provide essential moisture for a healthy scalp and restore beauty to dry hair.

Results on very dry hair

The hair recovers its bounce, elasticity, and softness. Protected from drying out, it is also stronger, and more bouncy.

SHEA

A sacred tree from West Africa, also known as the "butter tree", shea is well-known to women in Burkina Faso for its unrivaled richness in nourishing and hydrating agents. Its oil is exceptionally deeply penetrating.

Results on very dry hair

This prodigious and regenerative active ingredient nourishes hair deep down and restores its natural beauty. Ideal for very dry hair, it provides protection, bounce, and strength.

Commitment to fair trade

Pioneers in the field, René Furterer Laboratories has 30 years of experience working with shea and has perfected their mastery of this legendary ingredient. Since 2012, René Furterer has had a new supply of FAIR TRADE SHEA BUTTER from Burkina Faso.

ARGAN

Rare and precious, Argan oil is extremely rich in essential fatty acids, which are vital to restoring the protective hydrolipidic film at the hair's surface and locking in moisture.

Results on very dry hair

Visibly nourished and hydrated, the hair is restored to its former radiance and vitality.

Commitment to fair trade

René Furterer supports three Argan oil-producing cooperatives in Morocco, and is furthering its commitment in the country with the opening of three kindergartens to care for the children of the women working in these cooperatives.

MORINGA

Rich in ultra-nourishing lipids (sterols, ceramides, and phospholipids), Moringa extract penetrates right to the core of each strand to repair the intercellular cement and strengthen the hair.

Results on very dry hair

Protected from dehydration, natural hair rediscovers its former bounce , becoming soft and easy to style.

Commitment to fair trade

René Furterer is working on several major projects in Madagascar. On the one hand, it is developing financial and environmental initiatives to provide logistical support to farmers: improving harvests, teaching good farming practices, and promoting diversification.

On the other hand, one of René Furterer's key ambitions is to combat malnutrition. The company is working with schools and mothers in order to reintroduce Moringa, with its exceptional nutritional properties, into local diets.